Vytorin

Vytorin (ezetimibe and simvastatin) is a combination medicine specially intended for the treatment of people with high levels of blood cholesterol. It works by blocking the production of cholesterol in the body. While taking this medicine you will also have to follow a special diet plan. You will also need to exercise regularly and control your weight. Without these important steps you will be unable to benefit from the treatment and taking Vytorin is not going to be as beneficial for you as it could. You may not get instant effects when you start taking this medicine – it may take you a couple of weeks for your cholesterol levels to improve. Your cholesterol levels will need to be measured regularly by your health care provider to monitor the progress, which is why it’s so important that you show up for regular appointments. This drug has been reported to cause birth defects in unborn babies. Make sure you tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medicine. Make sure you use an effective form of birth control to avoid getting pregnant. It’s important to let your doctor know if you have any particular health conditions before starting the treatment, as they may affect the dose you are prescribed. The following ones are supposed to be mentioned: diabetes, muscle disorder, underactive thyroid, and kidney disease. Let your doctor know if there are any other health problems you have and think they may be important in determining the lowest efficient dose you will benefit from. Before you start taking this medicine make sure you discuss any other important aspects of the treatment with your health care provider. For example, you are not recommended to use this drug in combination with verapamil, oral steroids, digoxin, gemfibrozil, cholestyramine, blood thinners, niacin, HIV medicines, nefazodone, amiodarone, cyclosporine, hormonal pills, and danazol, as some of these medicines can cause dangerous and unpleasant interactions that could be avoided. Therefore, if you are taking any of the medicines mentioned or intend to take them in the nearest future – you will need to tell the doctor about it. Sometimes an adjustment of your Vytorin dose will be enough, but in other cases you may be recommended to avoid certain medications. The following mild side effects are sometimes possible: insomnia, back pain, numbness, cough, diarrhea, runny or stuffy nose, dizziness, joint pain, constipation, headache, and memory problems. If you develop any of the mild side effects mentioned, make sure you report them only in case they become severe or bothersome. This is unlikely to happen, as in most cases the side effects mentioned go away on their own without any need for your doctor to interfere. The following serious side effects of Vytorin do need to be reported as soon as possible: stomach pain, pancreatitis, muscle pain, blurred vision, easy bruising or bleeding, clay-colored stools, fast heart rate, tenderness, loss of appetite, and weakness with fever.